Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is among the most popular fruits often used as a staple for making jellies and jams. This nutrient-rich fruit has been used since time immemorial for treating numerous diseases. It is widely known to improve blood flow, strengthen the immune system and improve the health of your eyes, kidneys and gut. Interestingly, blackcurrant can also help keep your hair healthy. So, read on to learn more about blackcurrant benefits for hair.
Blackcurrant Nutritional Profile
Blackcurrant is a rich source of several essential nutrients, including:
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
Its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for your hair.
Benefits of Blackcurrant for Hair
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Strengthens and Moisturizes Hair
Blackcurrant oil helps moisturize your scalp and hair strands, making the cuticles smooth and enhancing their elasticity. This enables your hair to grow stronger and longer while preventing brittleness. Also, it has plenty of omega-6 fatty acid (gamma-linolenic acid), which keeps hair in good condition. Therefore, supplementing your hair care regimen and diet plan with blackcurrant can be beneficial, especially as there is a link between low levels of essential fatty acids and alopecia.
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Prevents Hair Damage
Studies show that blackcurrant can help shield your hair against damage and breakage caused by hygral fatigue. Hygral fatigue occurs when hair fibers undergo repetitive swelling and contracting caused by water absorption and evaporation. Excessive moisture can damage hair follicles such as in the case of over-conditioning or over-moisturizing. The outer protective cuticle layer of hair gets damaged in hygral fatigue. This may result in weakened hair strands, may cause split ends and contribute to hair damage.
Blackcurrant minimizes the diffusion and absorption of water in hair fiber cells, thus mitigating the strain on the hair structures and averting harm caused by hygral fatigue.
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Minimizes Hair Loss and Boosts Hair Growth
Polyphenols, which exhibit strong antioxidant activity and reduce inflammation, are highly concentrated in blackcurrants. Antioxidants are critical in correcting hair loss and preventing hair follicle damage, thinning or baldness. Moreover, antioxidants prevent damage caused by free radicals, which cause early graying of hair and male pattern baldness. Blackcurrant supplies your body with antioxidants that help keep your scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit can lower the inflammation of hair follicles in order to minimize hair breakage and shedding.
How to Use Blackcurrant for Hair?
You can get the maximum benefit out of blackcurrants by simply adding them to your daily diet. You can also try blackcurrant supplements that are available in various forms, such as powder, pills, oil and capsules. Besides, consider using a shampoo containing blackcurrant extract to nourish and moisturize your hair. You can also include blackcurrant seed oil in your hair care regimen. This oil can be applied on the scalp without dilution for long-lasting results.
Conclusion
Blackcurrant is one of the delightful fruits whose health benefits are numerous as it contains a variety of vital vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. Adding blackcurrant to your everyday diet may help improve the appearance of your hair. Moreover, there are many blackcurrant supplements to choose from. Nevertheless, consulting a physician before using any new supplement is always advisable.
